Hurricane Harvey’s Devastating Effects to the Health

The devastation of Hurricane Harvey didn't stop at millions of dollars worth of property damage and massive flooding, residents are also left vulnerable to a flesh-eating bacteria that's slowly spreading all over the affected areas. A woman who contracted the infection has died.

According to the Harris County Institute for Forensic Science, the victim was exposed to the bacteria after wading through the floodwaters to help other residents. Although the CDC says infection from flesh-eating bacteria is rare, it is quite deadly if the patient is not treated immediately.

A woman has died after contracting a deadly flesh-eating bacteria infection as a result of Hurricane Harvey.

Autopsy results confirm that Nancy Reed, 77, died as a result of necrotizing faciitis – a serious bacterial infection that destroys tissue under the skin.

Khou.com reports: To say Nancy Reed loved her community would be an understatement. Those who knew her say she was an avid donor and longtime volunteer, both with her church and several non-profit organizations.

She was heavily involved in one non-profit in particular, Village Learning and Achievement Center, an educational center for adults and children with disabilities.

They say Reed has been involved with the village for 11 years and attends every fundraising event they sponsor. They say losing her has been and will continue to be very difficult.